For The C30 offers composed handling, stylish looks and a classy, well-built interior. Most models are attractively priced and affordable to run, too.

Against Many rivals have more rear legroom and its boot is small. The low-speed ride is unsettled and the steering doesn't provide enough feedback.

Volvo C30 Hatchback

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

The C30 puts ticks in most of the right boxes – it has a classy cabin and is decent to drive – but it isn't as much fun or as practical as key rivals.

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There are 17 Volvo C30 versions available

Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.5 Polestar 3dr TBA
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 ES 3dr £14,995
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 SE 3dr £16,760
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 R-Design 3dr £17,010
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 SE Lux 3dr £17,760
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6 D2 ES 3dr £18,245
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe ES S/S 3dr £18,745
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe SE S/S 3dr £20,495
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6 D2 R-Design 3dr £20,785
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe SE Lux S/S 3dr £21,495
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 D3 SE 3dr £21,535
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 D3 R-Design 3dr £21,785
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 D4 SE 3dr £22,060
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.5 T5 R-Design 3dr £22,125
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 D4 R-Design 3dr £22,310
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 D3 SE Lux 3dr £22,535
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0 D4 SE Lux 3dr £23,060
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
C30 Our pick

Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe ES S/S 3dr

What with this model's cheap running costs and the fact that it's well equipped despite being one of the cheapest C30s, it's one of the best models in the range.

What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Volvo C30 stands out from other small family hatchbacks, with dimunitive dimensions and distinctive styling that mean it looks more like a coupe.

Practicality is not as bad as you might think, but the boot is small and space in the two rear seats isn't as generous as in more conventional small hatches.

No matter, the Volvo has a classy cabin finish, and performance from the range of petrol and diesel engines is good.

It's also good to drive, helped by being based on the same platform as the Ford Focus. The C30 handles neatly and makes for a good motorway cruiser, although the low-speed ride is a bit firm.

All C30s are well equipped and build quality is not an issue. Nor is safety equipment, as you would expect of a Volvo, while security is also a strong point.

The incredibly frugal and clean DRIVe model with the start/stop system is our favourite.

Reader test team says:

Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe SE 3dr

I have owned the C30 for 18 months from new. The…

Gary Dawson

2 out of 5 stars

Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6D DRIVe S Start/Stop 3dr

Mines white (is that a typical female comment??) ,…

Marie Hodgson

4 out of 5 stars

Volvo C30 Hatchback 2.0D SE 3dr

I traded in my peugot 307 1.4s for an 8 month old…

Callum Knight

5 out of 5 stars

Volvo C30 Hatchback 1.6 R-Design 3dr

I've owned this car for two weeks now. I found it…

Becs Rivett

4 out of 5 stars
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